Authors:

Wolfgang Losert(University of Maryland)

Xiaoyu Sun(University of Maryland)

Meghan Driscoll(University of Maryland)

Can Guven(University of Maryland)

John Fourkas(University of Maryland)

Unidirectional cell migration plays a key role in many critical
physiological processes. Guidance of cells in a preferred direction has been
explored in the context of chemotaxis and durotaxis. However, a stable field
of gradient within a dynamic range needs to be maintained to achieve
persistent unidirectional guidance. Hence the spatial extent of gradient
sensing is limited. Contact guidance on the other hand can be achieved on
surfaces with large spatial extent without changes in guidance efficiency.
However, contact guidance is generally bidirectional. Here we demonstrate
that unidirectional guidance efficiency is achievable by nanofabrication of
asymmetrically shaped surfaces. We analyze cell velocity and orientation, as
well as the dynamic changes in cell shape in response to surface topography.

*supported by NIH Nanotechnology

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2013.MAR.U45.4